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President Tinubu To Embark On 5-Day Official Visit To UAE

President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a five-day trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following an invitation from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

The visit will take place from January 12 to 18, 2025.

During his stay, President Tinubu will attend the prestigious Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) summit, which will focus on driving sustainable development and fostering socioeconomic progress.

The theme of the summit, “The Nexus of Next; Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” will bring together global leaders, policymakers, business executives, and civil society figures to discuss ways to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy.

ADSW has been held annually for over 15 years and serves as a global platform for cooperation among various stakeholders to tackle global challenges and boost economic growth.

The summit aims to inspire transformative solutions that will lead to a new era of shared prosperity.

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US To Return Stolen $53m Linked To Nigeria’s Former Petroleum Minister, Diezani

The United States and Nigeria have officially signed a memorandum of understanding to repatriate $53 million in stolen funds to Nigeria.

These funds are associated with the Galactica asset linked to former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.

During the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), announced that $50 million of the recovered amount approximately N77 billion will be used to fund rural electrification projects aimed at boosting the reliability and availability of renewable energy across the country.

The remaining $2.88 million will be allocated as a grant to the International Institute for Justice (IIJ) to enhance counter-terrorism capacity building for criminal justice practitioners in Africa.

Fagbemi expressed appreciation for the US government’s cooperation in the recovery process, emphasizing that measures have been put in place to ensure the transparent use of the repatriated funds.

He also called for continued collaboration in finalizing other pending cases of asset repatriation.

In response, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, affirmed that the repatriation was based on trust in Nigeria’s commitment to transparency in managing the funds, noting that without this assurance, the agreement would not have been reached.

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I Will Make Shocking Revelations Soon – Sacked Kano SSG Vows

Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the recently sacked Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), has broken his silence, vowing to expose those he claims betrayed him following his dismissal by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, Bichi hinted at a major revelation, promising to “drop a bomb” soon.

Since his removal from office, Bichi had remained silent and out of the public eye.

His dismissal was part of a wider reshuffle by Governor Yusuf, which also saw the removal of the Chief of Staff and five other commissioners.

However, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ladidi Garko, was reinstated as the Head of the Civil Service Commission, and the sacked Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi, returned as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry.

In his statement, Bichi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, but suggested that those involved in his removal were untrustworthy and deceitful.

“There are many things written, in audio, and in video. God crossed our path with people who are not trustworthy,” Bichi said.

“Time will come that we will bring things out for people to hear and understand who they are.”

Bichi also reiterated his commitment to the people of Bichi, his home community, and promised that more details would emerge soon.

It was previously reported that Bichi had been a key figure in the ‘Abba Tsaya da Kafarka’ movement, which sought to establish political independence for Governor Yusuf from his former mentor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Bichi, a prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya movement, had played a crucial role in the 2023 elections that led to Yusuf’s victory as Governor of Kano State.

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Senator Anyanwu Insists He Remains PDP National Secretary Despite Court Ruling

Senator Samuel Anyanwu has reaffirmed his position as the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite a recent Court of Appeal ruling that installed Mr. Ude Okoye in the role.

Speaking during an interview on AIT on Thursday, Anyanwu clarified that he remains in office due to an ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court and a standing Federal High Court judgment that supports his tenure.

Anyanwu emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter is still pending, and until then, he legally retains his position as national secretary.

He further acknowledged the legitimacy of Amb. Umar Damagum as the acting national chairman of the party, stating that PDP is united under his leadership and dismissing any claims of internal division.

On his personal relationship with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Anyanwu downplayed political differences, asserting that their friendship, which dates back to their days as council chairmen, remains intact despite partisan disagreements.

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Local Government Chairman Appoints 130 Aides 

Chijioke Ihunwo, the Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, has appointed 130 special assistants to support his administration.

The appointments were announced through a post on his verified X account, where he urged the appointees to serve diligently in their respective roles.

Notable appointees include Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi.

This move follows a growing trend among local government chairmen in Nigeria to appoint a significant number of aides to enhance governance.

Recently, the chairman of Nasarawa LGA in Kano State, Yusuf Imam, also appointed 60 aides to aid his administration.

This is not Ihunwo’s first round of large-scale appointments; in July 2024, during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman, he appointed 100 special assistants.

Additionally, Ihunwo made headlines in October 2024 when he removed the name of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from the Obio-Akpor council secretariat, reflecting his political alignment with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst tensions with Wike.

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Northerners Have No Moral Grounds To Reject Tinubu In 2027 – Senator Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani, former Senator for Kaduna Central and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that northerners have no moral justification to vote out President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections over the controversial tax reform bills.

In a recent interview, Sani criticized northern leaders who oppose Tinubu’s tax reform proposals, arguing that they failed to hold the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari accountable for its shortcomings.

He noted that despite Buhari’s eight years in office, the northern region saw little tangible development, with key projects like the Mambila power plant and major infrastructure projects remaining incomplete.

Sani pointed out that northerners remained silent throughout Buhari’s tenure, despite his administration’s many failures, including the inability to improve infrastructure, power generation, and agriculture.

He argued that if northern leaders failed to criticize Buhari for his lack of progress, they should not now have the moral right to challenge Tinubu.

While some northern leaders, such as Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, have criticized Tinubu’s tax reforms for concentrating power at the federal level, Sani called for a reassessment of how northerners in Tinubu’s government could contribute to the region’s growth.

He also emphasized that the criticism of Tinubu’s policies should not be rooted in regional bias but in a genuine desire to hold leaders accountable.

Meanwhile, Murtala Aliyu, Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has defended the criticism of Tinubu’s administration, stating that the ACF critiques the current government with the same rigor it applied to Buhari’s administration, irrespective of regional origin.

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Tinubu To Review N70,000 Minimum Wage Soon – Minister

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has announced that the new minimum wage will undergo a review in less than two years.

Onyejeocha made the statement on Thursday in Umuahia, following a meeting with labor leaders in Abia State.

She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is committed to his promise to Nigerian workers, ensuring that the minimum wage will be reviewed in less than three years.

“We are not going to allow minimum wage review to be forever. It used to be about five years, but now, in three years’ time, which is less than two years, we will also review the minimum wage,” she stated.

Onyejeocha reassured workers that President Tinubu remains deeply concerned about their welfare and will honor his promises.

“It has been said and it has been documented,” she added, referencing the President’s earlier approval of a N70,000 minimum wage in July 2024 with the commitment for regular reviews.

The Minister, who is from Abia State, explained that her meeting with labor leaders was an opportunity to wish them well after her holidays and to reaffirm the importance of peace and stability in the workforce. “Labor is an integral part of the government that should help ensure stability and peace, not just at the workplace, but also in the country,” she said. She urged the leaders to work towards a strike-free year, emphasizing that peaceful collaboration would lead to higher productivity.

The Abia Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Ogbomna Okoro, commended Onyejeocha’s efforts and expressed the body’s pride in her leadership, pledging support and collaboration. Earlier, the Minister held a roundtable discussion with the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, where she outlined key federal government policies and sought their input and support.

 

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Anambra South: APGA Frontline Senatorial Aspirant, Ubajaka Assures Quality Representation If Elected

Sir Patrick Nnaemeka Ubajaka, the frontline senatorial aspirant for Anambra South Senatorial district under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has pledged to offer quality and effective representation if elected.

Ubajaka, who enjoys strong support from the people of the district, expressed his deep commitment to the development and progress of the zone

Speaking on his reasons for contesting the senatorial seat, Ubajaka emphasized that his passion for the growth of Anambra had motivated him to take the step.

“My passion for the growth and development of Anambra over the years emboldened me to run for the Senate. I want to represent the great citizens of Anambra South in the Senate as we collectively ensure strong laws that will propel a fast-developing economy. I also want to foster an increase of federal projects and opportunities for the district in collaboration with the governor, other senators and national leaders.”

“I want to be a voice for the masses, for women, for youth, for men, for Nigerians who have been sidelined for several decades. I have no greater mission than to serve ethically and progressively. Greater Nigeria equates progress for all, prosperity for all, happiness for all and peace for all. I stand firmly for greater Nigeria and will resist all forms of regression.”

“My foremost agenda is to ensure the highest quality education for all. We have started developing plans and recommendations with input from many groups of highly intelligent citizens in Anambra South. In line with ensuring the highest quality education, we will also prioritise the availability of healthy food and water, accessibility to affordable healthcare, and infrastructure development, especially in relation to stable electricity and well-developed roads.” Ubajaka stated.

“Sir Ubajaka is sound, super intelligent, and articulate. APGA’s Senatorial ticket for the Anambra South Senatorial by-election is best given to him. He is the best man for the job, with an unblemished track record.”

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Borno Explosion: IGP Orders Swift Action Against Attackers Of Police Division

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a swift response to the perpetrators of the explosion attack on the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters in Borno.

The attack, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of two police officers: Inspector Bartholomew Kalawa and Corporal Mustapha Huzaifat.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the attack and instructed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 15, Mr. Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, to deploy sufficient resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible.

The AIG has also been tasked with coordinating efforts with other security agencies to ensure the assailants are captured and held accountable.

Adejobi further confirmed that the IGP expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen officers, ensuring that their entitlements would be swiftly processed and paid.

He also reiterated the Force’s commitment to holding individuals who disrupt national security accountable.

According to Kenneth Daso, the spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, the attack occurred on January 9, 2025, at around 12:10 am.

Unknown gunmen, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, attempted to invade the Nganzai Police Division.

However, the police officers on duty fought back and repelled the attackers after a fierce gun battle.

Unfortunately, the terrorists threw hand grenades that landed in a shelter tent, fatally injuring the two officers.

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Police Detain Officer In Viral Naira Abuse Video Involving Okoya’s Sons

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has detained an officer seen in a viral video alongside Wahab and Raheem Okoya, the sons of billionaire businessman Razaq Okoya, involved in an incident of naira abuse.

The NPF announced the officer’s detention via their official social media account, explaining that disciplinary action would follow.

The video, which sparked public outrage, shows the Okoya brothers spraying naira notes while a police officer is seen holding large stacks of the currency.

Such actions are a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2007 regulations, specifically Section 21(3), which prohibits the abuse of the naira.

The NPF condemned the officer’s involvement in the incident, calling it unethical and stating their commitment to upholding the integrity and values of the force.

However, many social media users have expressed frustration over the incident, with some questioning why the Okoya brothers, who were seen committing the act, have not faced any consequences.

Critics argue that the police are acting to protect the wealthy and powerful, while the officer who had no control over the situation is being punished.

One user lamented, “As usual, the children of the rich are untouchable, while the underpaid police officer is being scapegoated.”

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